10 High-Paying Entry-Level Jobs You Can Get with a Bachelor’s Degree

With a bachelor’s degree, you can unlock higher starting salaries, more purposeful work, and lasting earning power. Use this guide to explore high-paying entry-level jobs — and how flexible online programs can help you build the skills employers need most.

Starting a career after earning your bachelor’s degree can feel both exciting and uncertain. While completing a four-year degree takes commitment, the long-term payoff is undeniable. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), full-time workers with a bachelor’s degree earn a median of about $1,590 per week, compared with roughly $900 per week for those with only a high school diploma. ¹ Over the course of a career, that difference can amount to about $1 million more in additional lifetime earnings (p. 22). ²

Beyond the higher pay, bachelor’s degree holders tend to experience lower unemployment rates and greater access to career advancement opportunities. In sum, a college education remains one of the strongest predictors of long-term financial and professional success.

Today’s online degree programs have transformed higher education. At NMSU Global Campus, our flexible programs are 100% online, with 8-week mini-semesters that let you study at your own pace while balancing work and family life. Whether you’re just starting out, returning to finish what you began, or preparing for your next professional step, find your online degree program at NMSU Global Campus.

Top Careers that Pay Well with a Bachelor’s Degree

If you’re getting ready to start your career, it’s worth remembering that a bachelor’s degree can take you farther than you might think. While some professionals choose to pursue graduate education, many high-paying, fast-growing careers are accessible with a bachelor’s alone. The key is knowing which fields value your skills from the start.

The list below highlights 10 of the best-paying entry-level jobs for new graduates, each offering financial stability, professional development, and long-term growth potential.

1. Software Developer

Average Salary Range: $70,000–$85,000 per year

Software developers design and maintain the systems and applications that keep businesses running. From mobile apps to enterprise software, the need for skilled developers continues to grow. This role offers flexibility, strong earning potential, and clear advancement into senior and leadership positions.

Best degree paths: Computer Science, Information and Communication Technology, Software Engineering

2. Data Analyst

Average Salary Range: $60,000–$75,000 per year

Data analysts collect and interpret information to help organizations make better decisions. The rise of analytics in nearly every industry has created consistent demand for professionals who can transform numbers into insights. Undergraduate coursework in business, statistics, or computer science provides a strong foundation for this career.

Best degree paths: Data Science, Economics, Information Systems (BBA), Information and Communication Technology

3. Financial Analyst

Average Salary Range: $65,000–$80,000 per year

Financial analysts play a vital role in helping companies and investors make strategic decisions. They research market trends, assess performance, and prepare reports for leadership. With experience, financial analysts often move into investment, consulting, or senior management roles.

Best degree paths: Accounting, Business Administration, Economics, Finance

4. Mechanical Engineer

Average Salary Range: $70,000–$78,000 per year

Mechanical engineers design and test the systems, tools, and machines that shape modern industry. From renewable energy to aerospace, this field offers a broad range of opportunities and strong job security. Graduates with engineering or physics degrees are especially well positioned to enter this field.

Best degree paths: Applied Studies, Industrial Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Physics

5. Marketing Analyst or Digital Marketing Specialist

Average Salary Range: $55,000–$70,000 per year

Marketing specialists use data and creativity to help brands reach their audiences. Entry-level roles often focus on campaign management, digital analytics, or content strategy. As experience grows, salaries rise quickly, especially in leadership or strategic positions.

Best degree paths: Communication Studies, Digital Media, Marketing

6. Registered Nurse (BSN)

Average Salary Range: $65,000–$80,000 per year

Registered nurses with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) are in constant demand across hospitals, clinics, and public health organizations. A BSN provides access to higher starting salaries, leadership roles, and specialized fields such as critical care or informatics.

Best degree path: Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)

7. Construction Project Engineer

Average Salary Range: $65,000–$80,000 per year

Project engineers coordinate teams, budgets, and timelines to bring construction projects to life. The role combines technical and management skills, offering a rewarding balance between fieldwork and leadership. Engineering or construction management graduates are well suited to this path.

Best degree paths: Construction Management, Civil Engineering, or Project Management

8. UX/UI Designer

Average Salary Range: $65,000–$85,000 per year

User experience (UX) and user interface (UI) designers focus on how people interact with technology. These professionals blend creativity with data-driven design to make digital products more intuitive. As technology continues to evolve, this role is expected to remain one of the most dynamic in the job market.

Best degree paths: Computer Science, Graphic Design, Interactive Design, or Human-Computer Interaction

9. Account Manager

Average Salary Range: $60,000–$75,000 per year (plus commission potential)

Account managers bridge the gap between clients and internal teams. They ensure customer satisfaction, identify growth opportunities, and maintain long-term relationships. In technical industries, sales engineers fill a similar role, translating complex solutions into clear value for clients.

Best degree paths: Business Administration, Communication Studies, Engineering, Marketing

10. Cybersecurity Analyst

Average Salary Range: $70,000–$90,000 per year

Cybersecurity analysts protect networks and sensitive data from digital threats. This field offers high entry-level pay, rapid job growth, and strong potential for remote work. As cybersecurity becomes a top priority across industries, demand for skilled analysts continues to rise.

Best degree paths: Cybersecurity, Computer Science, Information and Communication Technology

Industries Offering Strong Early-Career Potential

Bachelor’s degree holders have more opportunities than ever to begin their careers in high-demand industries. While every field values different technical skills, employers consistently look for candidates who can analyze information, solve problems, and adapt to change. These are some of the most valuable abilities developed through a quality undergraduate education.

Several industries stand out for offering strong entry-level pay, consistent growth, and long-term career potential:

Technology and Software Development

As digital innovation continues to reshape the global economy, technology roles remain among the fastest growing. Software developers, data analysts, and cybersecurity professionals are in especially high demand as organizations depend on secure, scalable digital systems.

Explore Technology Degree Programs at NMSU Global Campus.

Healthcare and Nursing

Healthcare careers provide exceptional stability and purpose. From registered nurses to health information specialists, bachelor’s degree graduates can find meaningful work, steady demand, and clear paths toward specialization or leadership.

Find Online Healthcare Degree Programs at NMSU Global Campus.

Finance and Business Analytics

Businesses rely on professionals who understand financial performance, market data, and forecasting. Roles in finance, economics, and analytics offer competitive salaries and opportunities for advancement in nearly every industry.

Dive into Business Degree Programs at NMSU Global Campus.

Engineering and Construction

Engineers and project managers help shape the physical and technological infrastructure of modern life. Whether focused on renewable energy, construction, or manufacturing, these roles combine innovation with long-term job security.

Explore our Online Engineering Degree Programs at NMSU Global Campus.

Marketing and Communications

Organizations need creative thinkers who understand both audience behavior and digital tools. Bachelor’s graduates in marketing, communications, and related fields can pursue careers in brand management, analytics, and strategy.

Find Marketing Degree Programs at NMSU Global Campus.

Each of these sectors rewards curiosity, persistence, and lifelong learning. For graduates who continue to build their skills, the potential for advancement and financial success remains strong.

Accelerating Your Career with Credentials

In today’s job market, earning your bachelor’s degree sets the foundation, but continuing education helps you build momentum. Additional credentials, such as graduate certificates and microlearning courses, give you an edge by showing employers you are ready to take on new challenges. For example, professionals who add certifications often see up to a 15% to 28% salary increase across industries. ³

These credentials are increasingly important in fields where skills evolve rapidly. They help you stay current, demonstrate commitment to your profession, and move into new roles or responsibilities sooner. Whether you are aiming to deepen expertise, switch fields, or secure a promotion, continued learning after your bachelor’s degree offers real, measurable advantage.

Why Your Bachelor’s Degree Still Pays Off

A bachelor’s degree continues to provide lasting value in a changing job market. The effort it takes to earn one often translates into stronger career prospects, greater flexibility, and more opportunities for advancement. Beyond preparing you for a single role, a college education builds broad, adaptable skills that employers value across industries.

Recent findings from the Pew Research Center show that while earnings for young adults without a bachelor’s degree have improved over the past decade, college graduates continue to lead the way in long-term success. ⁴ In fact, they tend to earn higher salaries, experience lower poverty rates, and enjoy greater financial stability throughout their careers. Even as perceptions of higher education evolve, the data remain clear: a bachelor’s degree continues to open doors to meaningful work, lasting opportunity, and upward mobility.

Employers continue to value the well-rounded skills that college graduates bring to the workplace. Recent data shows that four in five, or nearly 80% of employers (p. 4) believe a college degree still holds strong value for entry-level workers entering the job market. ⁵

A degree signals readiness to learn, communicate, and solve problems. These qualities remain critical for long-term professional success because they help graduates adapt to changing demands, collaborate effectively, and grow into leadership roles over time.

A bachelor’s degree remains one of the most powerful tools for professional advancement. It expands your career options, deepens your network, and enhances your confidence as you pursue new opportunities. Whether your path leads to business, technology, healthcare, or education, the knowledge and perspective you gain through higher education continue to open doors and shape long-term success.

Tips for Landing a High-Paying Entry-Level Role

Finding a high-paying entry-level job takes more than earning a degree. It requires preparation, a clear strategy, and the ability to show both technical knowledge and interpersonal strength. The following steps can help new graduates start strong and build momentum for long-term growth.

1. Build a Strong Portfolio or Project Experience

Hands-on experience helps you stand out from other candidates. Take part in internships, class projects, or research assignments that allow you to apply what you have learned in real-world settings. Employers value practical examples of your skills just as much as your academic achievements.

2. Leverage Internships and Part-Time Work

Internships, part-time jobs, and volunteer opportunities demonstrate initiative and a willingness to learn. These experiences also help you build professional connections and references that can lead to full-time positions after graduation.

3. Strengthen Soft Skills that Drive Success

Employers consistently emphasize communication, teamwork, adaptability, and critical thinking as essential skills for early-career professionals. These abilities help you collaborate effectively, manage challenges, and grow into leadership roles.

4. Continue Upskilling through Microlearning and Certificates

Education should not end with graduation. Microlearning courses and professional certificates help you stay current with evolving technologies and industry trends. They also demonstrate a commitment to continuous improvement, which can strengthen your resume and accelerate your career trajectory.

By combining your degree with practical experience and a mindset for lifelong learning, you can create a career that offers both financial stability and professional satisfaction.

Discover Microlearning Courses at NMSU Global Campus.

Advance Your Career with NMSU Global Campus

Landing a high-paying entry-level job takes more than a degree. It requires skills that match today’s workforce, hands-on experience, and the ability to keep learning as industries evolve. At NMSU Global Campus, our online degree and certificate programs are designed to help students bridge that gap between education and employment.

Courses are 100% online and built with flexibility in mind, making it possible to balance work, family, and education. Many programs include applied projects or online practicum experiences that connect coursework to real-world problem-solving. Expert faculty bring professional expertise into each course, helping students develop the technical and analytical skills employers value most.

Why Choose NMSU Global Campus?

Students choose NMSU Global Campus for its combination of flexibility, quality, and real-world relevance. Each program is designed to meet the needs of working adults who want to advance in their education and careers without putting their lives on hold.

• Flexible online programs allow you to balance coursework with your schedule and career goals.
• Accredited certificate, bachelor’s, and master’s degree options ensure that your education meets rigorous academic standards and employer expectations.
• Real-world learning opportunities help you gain job-ready experience that translates directly to your professional field.
• Stackable credentials connect short-term achievements with long-term advancement, so you can build momentum over time.
• Personalized advising and career support guide you from enrollment through graduation, helping you stay on track and reach your goals.

Whether you are beginning your career, aiming to qualify for higher-paying positions, or preparing for future leadership opportunities, NMSU Global Campus provides a clear, flexible path forward. With programs built for working adults and guided by experienced faculty, you can gain the knowledge and confidence to compete for the roles that matter most to you.

References

1. “Median weekly earnings of full-time workers with only a bachelor’s degree $1,541 in Q2 2024.” U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), 25 July 2024.

2. “Learning and Earning By Degrees.” Georgetown University Center on Education and the Workforce, 2024.

3. El Hakim, Yaz. “5 Powerful Certification Benefits that Transform Career Growth in 2025.” VerifyEd, 15 February 2025.

4. “Is College Worth It?” Pew Research Center, 23 May 2024.

5. “2024 Graduate Employability Report.” Cengage Group, July 2024.